News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Trump to sign order for Mexico wall

United States president Donald Trump is reported to be preparing to sign several executive orders restricting immigration and taking steps on his proposed wall on the Mexican border. Trump has tweeted that it will be a big day for national security. Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray who is holding talks with US officials in Washington, has restated the Mexican position on the wall, estimated to cost 14 billion dollars: “We recognise that the United States has a right to build a wall, even though we don’t like it. But it’s another thing to get a neighbouring country to pay for it. We have said many times this is unacceptable.”

Trump to impose refugee restrictions

Measures are expected to be signed by Trump that will force so-called sanctuary cities, which refuse to investigate the legal status of residents, to co-operate with the authorities on deporting illegal immigrants. Administration officials say Trump over the next few days will also sign orders restricting access to the US for refugees and some visa holders from seven majority Muslim Middle Eastern and African countries, with exceptions for refugees fleeing religious persecution. Meanwhile the Dutch government says it is setting up an international fund to counter the effects of Trump’s ban on US funding for abortions in developing countries.

Schulz to take over Germany’s SDP

In Germany, Sigmar Gabriel of the Social Democrats has said he is standing aside from the party leadership in favour of former European parliamentary president Martin Schulz and has also nominated Schulz to run as SDP candidate for chancellor in the national election in September. The SDP is expected to confirm Schulz's candidacy as well as his party leadership at a meeting on Sunday.

UN welcomes Syria talks outcome

The United Nations envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura has welcomed a commitment by Russia, Iran and Turkey to enforce a cease-fire in Syria, after talks in Kazakhstan between Syrian government and rebel representatives. Meanwhile reports from Syria say the jihadist group Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as the Nusra Front, has attacked and crushed a Free Syrian Army rebel faction in the northwest of the country.

North Korea ‘could strike US’

A former top North Korean diplomat who defected last year has said he believes dictator Kim Jong Un would be prepared to attack the United States with nuclear weapons. Thae Yong Ho, former deputy ambassador to London, said North Korea has not yet acquired the nuclear capability to strike the US but is close to doing so: “Kim Jong Un will, I think, press the button on these dangerous weapons when he thinks that his rule is threatened.”

The Weather

Mainly sunny in the mountains, foggy and overcast in low lying and hilly areas. Top temperatures minus 8 to plus 4 degrees.

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